LANDO NORRIS hit the headlines after being robbed of his £40,000 watch following the Euro 2020 final — but he should be in the limelight for his on-track success.
The mugging at Wembley left Norris visibly shaken.
It was impossible not to feel sorry for the 21-year-old, yet also a reminder of his somewhat sheltered upbringing, focused purely on getting him into Formula One.
Despite his family home being in Glastonbury, Bristol-born Norris has never been to the famous music festival.
That ill-fated England game happened to be his very first football match and when he first joined McLaren back in 2017, he spoke about not wanting to socialise.
Back then, he was a bit of a nerd. He played computer games online for hours. His physique was boyish and he lacked vitamin D.
But when we caught up in the paddock at the Hungaroring, Norris was tanned and had bulging biceps poking out from his polo shirt.
He admits a lot has changed over the last two seasons — and it is obvious he is coming of age as he talks about his plans for the summer break.
I used to take my PlayStation everywhere and my laptop — but now I just take a book. Something I never thought I’d say.
Lando Norris
He said: “I will go and see a few friends on holiday and enjoy the sun. Just have some time away — but stay away from computers.
“I realise how much better it is for me to get outside. Playing golf and doing things like that makes life better away from Formula One.
“I used to take my PlayStation everywhere and my laptop — but now I just take a book. Something I never thought I’d say.
“I realised the importance of going out for dinner with my friends.
“I still find it enjoyable playing the games — but I’ve stopped taking life for granted and started enjoying it more.
“There is still a kid inside of me because I love games yet my mentality has changed.”
Norris even earned gushing praise from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton — and outclassed his more experienced team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
He has now delivered three podiums to lift him to third behind Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the rankings.
And he admits extra hours in the gym are paying off.
Norris added: “I am not as big as some drivers on the grid — but I am doing more work than I used to. I do what I must to be fit in Formula One.
“Just take Silverstone for example. It is incredibly tough on your neck — and a lot of drivers were leaning their necks after a few laps.
“For me, I know there is a performance deficit when I have to lean my head, my vision goes crazy.”
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Norris’ popularity has rocketed and it is easy to see why — he is incredibly down to earth and funny.
And he admitted: “It is an awesome feeling to see people now wearing my clothing range.It makes me smile because I know they like me.
“It’s weird because when I was growing up I never thought about being in that position.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
